Innovative Non-Transgenic Biotechnological Strategies for Rapid Multiplication and Conservation of RET Horticultural Species in Tamil Nadu, India

¹ Microbiology Department, KG College of Allied Heallh Sciences, KG Hospital and Post Graduate Medical Institute, Coimbatore - 641035
² Research and Development-Biotechnology KG College of Arts and Science, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore - 641035, TN, India

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Abstract

Rare, endangered, and threatened (RET) horticultural species can provide genetic and bioactive resources that are now highly endangered due to environmental destruction, over-harvesting, and climate change. There is a need to develop novel approaches for conservation and sustainable exploitation of the RET horticultural species like Gloriosa superba L., Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Am., and Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. found in Tamil Nadu, India. This paper introduces a new approach for the rapid multiplication and conservation of RET horticultural plants using non-transgenic biotechnology. Enhanced shoot multiplication and growth vigor were achieved using temporary immersion bioreactor system (TIBS), while somatic embryogenesis provided large-scale propagation of plants. Approximately 60% germination success rate was obtained using synthetic seed technique under in-vitro recovery, suggesting its applicability for the conservation of germplasms. Photoautotrophic micropropagation coupled with PGPMs increased acclimatization rates resulting in more than 50% ex-vitro plantlet survival under conservatory conditions. Metabolomics-based selection facilitated the multiplication of plants with superior phytochemical characteristics. Artificial intelligence assisted monitoring system detected any morphological malformations or contamination during plant culture development. The proposed bioreactor-assisted vertical farming system provides a sustainable conservation strategy for these rare plants.